WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals, looking for a spark off their bench, have signed free agent first baseman/catcher Matthew LeCroy to a one-year contract.
The right-handed batting LeCroy, 30, batted .260 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 101 games for the Minnesota Twins in 2005. He is a career .263 hitter, with 58 homers and 209 RBI in 430 games in six big league seasons, all with Minnesota.
"With the addition of Matt LeCroy, I am pleased to add a professional right-handed hitter to our bench who can also serve as a backup at both catcher and first base," said Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden.
It is the second major move by Bowden this week. He also has offered aging slugger Sammy Sosa a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
